The Lady Tigers (8-2) defeated the Lady Lions (7-7) Saturday for the eighth straight time.
DC got off to a fast start thanks to stingy defense and effective scoring by forward Maya Benham. Benham ended the opening quarter with 11 points including two three pointers. The DC defense limited Lithia's scoring opportunities by forcing turnovers, many of which came before the ball crossed half court. However, the Lions didn't allow the game to get away early, trailing 17-11.
The second half saw much of the same style of play. DC extended their lead early, but Lithia once again scored a bulk of their points as the quarter was coming to a close. The DC lead remained at sox points with the score at 30-24 at the break.
The third quarter belonged to DC The second half began with two quick Lithia turnovers, which DC converted into four points. Lithia's Coach David Mills instantly burned a timeout in an attempt to calm his team down. Although the team did limit their turnovers for the remainder of the quarter, they could not stop DC, who now led 51-37.
Lithia, with their resilient attitude attempted to claw their way back, led by star guard Tashara Jones. At one point, Lithia was only trailing by three midway through the quarter. But Benham nailed a three with two minutes left, and converted timely free throws to seal the victory.
Benham led all scoring with 23 points. Amadi Brooks added 14. Jones scored 18 for Lithia.
In the boys game, the first quarter went back and forth between the two teams. Both Lithia (11-3) and Douglas County (6-7) shot stellar from the field. Both defenses also reflected one another as they struggled to defend shots in the pain as well as outside of the perimeter. At the end of the quarter, the teams were tied at 21-21.
Lithia started the second quarter on an 8-0 run by forcing multiple turnovers, while continuing their hot shooting. For the remainder of the half, Douglas County attempted to come back. The Lions went into the half up 46-40.
Both teams played evenly through the third quarter. Sloppy turnovers ceased to a minimum as Lithia led 62-58 heading into the fourth.
Lions center Neil Phillips had enough of the back and forth battle between both teams and took over the final eight minutes, which included a highlight dunk off the translation feed from forward Tius Vick, sending the home crowd to their feet. Phillips also dominated on the defensive sides with several key blocks and rebounds, sealing the game. He led all scoring with 23 points. Guard Jalen Thornton led the Tigers with 18 points.
Both teams will play at home Tuesday.
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